Patriot

Gene G, I have to admit that’s a first and very creative thinking! Looking forward to your pics on cover removal. 👍🏻😊🇺🇸

Hey Mike, Please feel free to delete my repeat post on Will’s vid. I missed that link where CRM had posted it already. 😊 You make great points about the possible QC, obvious design flaws, over all manufacturing quality being a culprit. It will be very interesting to see how BB moves forward. As for BB admitting to any potential danger to its customers or that there is a problem even with a specific batch of batteries, I don’t see that happening. Sounds like you have had great service out of your BB’s and will likely never have an issue. 👍🏻

It was mounted using an additional extension piece of “starboard” backing plate (as mentioned in a previous post) glued in with a very very strong industrial grade marine grade fiberglass adhesive. I do not know the name of the marine grade odorless adhesive that was used. I do know its used in Marine grade installs. I opted not to have my installer drill through and bolt the backing plate through the fiberglass. My concern is the “hanging weight” on the bolt through the fiberglass from the 3000W inverter/charger could/would eventually cause the fiberglass to star or splinter and eventually just crack. In my experience and discussions with Jason E at Oliver service over the years, drilling through the fiberglass is not at all recommended. So drilling just was not something I was willing to risk. So far my Victron 3000W inverter converter is still very secure.

Heads Up!! A 2 day old vid. Yet another new issue with Battleborn. 🧐 Not good.

Here’s a pic of the HD wet bolts. Hopefully you also ordered the HD shackles. I had Alcan install the wet bolts with the grease zerks facing under our Oliver for easier access when greasing the zerks.

Alcan Spring visit and 5 leaf pack install went smooth and quick. I don’t recall the exact labor charge but it was reasonable. The install only took Lew’s team 2.5 hrs and was worth every penny, I never broke a sweat. 😄 A first class install. Still have my Alcan hat!

As @topgun2 and @John Dorrer mentioned the compressed air and regular cleaning has always worked well for me. I also apply a little coating of spray silicone or WD40 on a rag and wipe down the exterior black rubber seal before reinstalling. This helps to keep it supple and clean looking.

Thanks to @Ollie-Haus I scooped up this kit which will live in our TV. I also carry a small compressor. I hope I never need it.😄

Batteries with internal heaters are a nice option to have. I like options. 😊 This week it’s going to be in the 20’s and 30’s here in beautiful Western NC. XPLORs (2) Epoch 300AH batts will be just fine.

I think you will be happy with your choice! And yes, self heating is a real plus!

@Mark Meadows as to your first post. For all the nonbelievers out there. 😄 Here are the plastic caps that I ordered from Mike Sharpe as a replacement. As mentioned, I think they are like $3 plus shipping. If this is what you are looking for, Oliver Parts usually keeps them in stock. Cheers & Happy New Year!

@Cort, Great question, and thanks for the compliment on my system. I could not be happier with this install and especially all the Victron components. To answer your question, First, I opted to roll with two batteries incase for some reason one of my batteries should go down or have an issue, we are not left flapping and have the second for a back up. (One is none and two is one) a former military term from my service years. I always like contingency plans. Second, I chose (2) 300ah Epoch batteries due to size and how they fit in the OE Oliver tray. Plenty of power for XPLOR. Third, If you have to ship/send one Epoch 460 back to Epoch for any reason, as mentioned you will be “flapping” as we use to say with no power. The option of running our Truma 13.5 AC occasionally is a nice add with the Victron 3000W inverter/charger. Just something to consider as you plan your Lithium battery swap. Having the 12v DC-DC charger installed on our TV also negates carrying our Honda 3200 suitcase generator. Have fun with your install!

Give Mike a call at Oliver Service $3.00 plus shipping.

Bill, Do you remove your Lithium Batteries from “Twist” during winter storage? Or do they have built in heating elements or a heating pad? It’s a beautiful day here and I was just out at the Ollie Hangar. I turned off our 30 amp shore power and am now exercising our new Epoch’s by running our dehumidifier for a few days. I am finding the instant read out of the Victron GX 70 is a nice option and a great back up if a Bluetooth connection is unavailable. The GX 70 fit perfectly in the space of the old Zamp solar module, no drill and no cutting. 76d here tomorrow…crazy weather for Christmas Day. 🤔

GJ, I use the OEM installed Zamp plug for our 90W Zamp Solar suitcase. It bumps up our solar to 420W. With the DC-DC charger it may not get much use. The Zamp suitcase is a very nice product, but heavy as a boat anchor. My guess is to keep it from blowing over in the wind.

Very nice install Bill! Sano!! 😊

On this second day of winter….the hounds of winter.

RIP Chris Rea. Thank you for all your great music.

Another vid from Will on a new issue with BB’s.🤔

Looks familiar 😄

Chris, great question. This is what I came up with in a quick open source search. I thought it was worthy of posting here with regard to Li bats. I did some limited work with the CPS folks in my former career mostly on imported consumption products. https://www.compliancegate.com/lithium-battery-safety-standards-united-states/#Consumer_Product_Safety_Improvement_Act_CPSIA

😄

@John Dorrer Thanks for posting this dangerous safety concern. I know there are several owners of BB’s here on the forum and they will really appreciate this heads up. edit - This could really become a PR nightmare for BB, lets hope they get out in front of it super fast.

@taylor.coyote I recently had a complete Lithium upgrade professionally installed with 2 Epoch 300ah batteries which do have built in heaters. The Epochs fit perfectly in the OEM battery tray. I selected ALL Victron components to include the Victron 3000 watt inverter/charger and the DC/DC charger. Our DC/DC charger is a game changer for us and eliminates the need to ever carry a generator again. Our Ford 6.7 diesel has dual alternators which made my decision pretty easy to roll with DC/DC charger. I considered Battle Born but the preferred the (2) single 300ah Epochs. If one goes down you have a back up. “One is none and two is one”. Charging our house batteries via our TV while on the roads less traveled is certainly a nice option to have while traveling rain, shine or in darkness. ⚡️Have fun with your conversion!

Vince, Sounds like you have a solid plan. Wishing you a seamless install and congrats on getting rid of the 747 “Deafening Demonic” jet engine😄. Just think, post install with a super quiet AC you will be able to sleep peacefully, hold a normal conversation, talk on the phone, watch a movie or listen to music. It was great meeting you at this year’s Oliver Rally. After Oliver installed out Truma, Aventa I brought my Dometic back home and sold it on FB marketplace pretty quickly for $600.00. It now sits on top of a food truck somewhere here in NC. 🤔 Let us know how your install goes! Happy Holidays to you and your family my friend!